Long Lake man drowns in Lake Independence

The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office June 8 recovered the body of an apparent drowning victim from Lake Independence.

The Hennepin County Medical Examiner identified the victim as Charles Dollar, 67, of Long Lake. The medical examiner said his death was an accident and due to "fresh water drowning."

Dollar had been missing since the morning of June 7, said a Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, when he had gone fishing and he did not return home. Three Rivers Park Police notified the Sheriff’s Office of a fishing boat found adrift on Lake Independence at approximately 10:30 p.m. June 7. The drifting boat was confirmed to be owned by Dollar.

Murky water hindered the search for Dollar. A combined sonar/diver search was underway when a diver located his body in six and a half feet of water near the dock at the Baker Park boat launch.

The Three Rivers Park Police Department and the Medina Police Department assisted the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office with the recovery.